Aluminum Siding Refinishing

Aluminum Siding Refinishing

Serving Sterling Heights & Surrounding Communities

Believe it or not, aluminum siding first hit the market almost 70 years ago. At the time, it was a long-lasting, nearly maintenance-free alternative to the then ubiquitous clapboard or wood-shingle siding. Until the introduction of vinyl siding, aluminum siding was the dominant method for covering – and recovering – houses of that era.

The aluminum itself is essentially immune to rot, water, corrosion, and the elements. The paint, on the other hand, isn’t quite so impervious. The fine layer of paint applied to most aluminum siding can chalk – as they call it, fade, ware down to bare metal, or all three. This isn’t a defect in the siding or the paint, it’s simply the result of twenty to thirty years (or more) of exposure to the wind, rain, cold, and heat.

When aluminum siding began to fade and ware, homeowners were left with no option but to replace the aged siding with new. Since the late 1990s, homeowners have been offered another option to the costly replacement of aluminum siding. Now they can paint. Below are some tips to keep in mind when considering painting your aluminum siding.

1. Repair any damage to existing siding.

If at all possible, dented pieces should be removed and replaced. This should be done without damaging the existing siding. It’s also important to examine all aspects of your siding such as soffits, gutters, and drainpipes and repair as necessary before the painting process begins. It’s never a bad idea to call the professional painters to do the job for you. They have the experience necessary to get the job done right the first time.

2. Clean the siding.

This step is critical as it can determine whether or not your paint job is successful. The best way to do this is – of course – to hire a professional. Professional painting contractors use machines capable of heating water and directing it at the house at around 2,500 pounds of pressure. Even though you can rent equipment such as this, there are technique issues to consider as well. Professionals know how to handle the power washers so as not to loosen or dislodge the siding.

3. If necessary, apply a primer coat.

If the paint on your siding has a chalky feel, it’s a good idea to apply a specialty primer coat that allows the paint layer to adhere to the surface. It’s important to consult a painting contractor on this step as failure to use a primer coat can cause major problems down the line.

4. Use the right tools

It is possible to paint aluminum siding with a brush or roller but the best application method is still a power sprayer. And while these machines are available for purchase or to rent, it’s still a good idea to hire a professional siding contractor who has experience with refinishing aluminum siding. Handling the spray machines can be more art than science and mistakes can become readily apparent if care isn’t taken.

As you can probably surmise from the above tips, while you can refinish your aluminum siding on your own, you’d be better served to contact a professional who has experience with the task and can avoid all the pitfalls and mistakes that first-timers inevitably make. The appearance of your house is an important thing…a thing that everyone sees on a daily basis. Entrust this delicate process to someone that can do it properly. And just think of all the time you’ll save! A professional aluminum-siding refinisher can – typically – get the job done while you’re at work which reduces the time it would take if you tried to do it yourself after work or on weekends.